The Narcissist Next Door

Critics

LemonMeter

Audience

LemonMeter

The power of positive thinking goes hilariously wrong when a new neighbor teaches two dispirited best friends an Ancient Peruvian Self Help Philosophy. Instead of their lives being transformed they end up held hostage by two inept kidnappers. "Be careful who you wish for " has never been more appropriate.

Reviews

"The Narcissist Next Door covers much the same ground as Larry Shue’s The Nerd, where the house-guest from Hell wrecks havoc on a variety of characters at a dinner party. Here Tony, The Narcissist, (Luca Malacrino), proves to be a charlatan as well as a pain when he introduces his next-door neighbor, Sebastian (Michael Nardelli) and friend Kate (Kincaid Walker) to a New Age practice called “The Source.” When the practice work wonders in their lives, they welcome Tony into their midst, but as he takes more and more advantage of their trust, inviting himself on a trip to Mexico to “shoot” singing star Charo Veraga (Maggie Miguel), a result from “The Source,” they finally admit his toxicity. Only when he opens the way for a pair of Banditos (Robert and Bryce Harrow) to rob the group, do they finally plot to get rid of him with hilarious results.
Narcissist, Ellen Buckley’s first full-length play, is sprightly and increasingly funny, pointing the way to a future of churning out one crowd-pleaser after another. It has been given a well-developed production by its producers with director Susan Dallan."

"Ok. That was just a pure fun fun and way crazy fun time! I loved the anticipatory pace -the wonderfully eclectic and hilarious cast-and the story was so cleverly right on with the perfect narcissist that was so relatable to us humans! So well done!!"

"A charming funny light comedy about the struggle of nice people dealing with "that friend" who both ruins and improves their lives in equal measure. The production moves like the wind, with delightful performances from the entire cast, constant surprises, and endless energy.
If I had to give a negative about the show, it would be that the title character is far too enjoyable and bearable. Come on, this is America in 2019, the bar for painful narcissism has been set way too high now!!"

"This Show was absolutely hysterical!!! The entire cast were very talented and most certainly committed to their parts. I found the story and the characters to be very character driven and was very well directed! I would encourage anyone who is looking for a good laugh to check this show out, you WON'T be disappointed!"

"Loved the performance! Every minute of it. I feel like I know someone who reminds me of each character. Especially the Narcissist! We all know one out here in LA. Haha. It hit close to home and was a wonderful Sunday Funday for me and my fiance. Would love to see more."

"A lovely show with a charming cast and a ton of laughs. The play gets off to a brisk start when Kate, played by sensational Kincaid Walker, bursts into her best friend Sebastion's, played by a very adept Michael Nardelli. These two actors have awesome chemistry and trade clever quips at a pace Neil Simon would approve of. Soon we meet the play's narcissist namesake, Tony. Luca Malacrino gives a great performance in this role and carries most of the second act's problematic plot. This play was well directed by Susan Dalian and Ellen Buckley's script is funny, showing flashes of something bigger and better, perhaps with a deeper dive into the plot and action that unfolds late. I missed the relationship we invested in between Kate and Sebastion later in the show and the end is a bit of a head-scratcher, but overall, I really enjoyed this production! Bravo to all involved but special notice to the excellent performances!"

"This is a very funny play, smartly written and well directed, with really good actors—a great ensemble—who work wonderfully well together. I saw it on its last night, and the audience was hooked from the snappy, well delivered dialogue between Sebastian and Kate that opens the play to the phone call of Kate’s Mom and the play’s conclusion. Lots of well earned laughs from the audience! Hope this comedy finds longer life!"

"This play was SO funny! A wonderful ensemble cast. I especially loved the characters of Sebastian and Kate who had great chemistry as best friends. The actress who played Kate is absolutely adorable! A really talented comedienne! I hope to see her again in another production. A really fun evening!"

"Actually, the Mexico chapter wasn’t necessary, the play was satisfying and evenly funny and enjoyable until then, and the length was just right, but because I liked the characters I enjoyed the final scene as well. "

"There are some sparkling lines and some enjoyable byplay, but the heart of Ms. Buckley’s comedy is the friendship of Kate and Sebastian, and this gets lost in the course of Tony’s manipulations. A half-hour of new age narcissism would have been more than enough for me."

"Sharp, pithy and filled with delightfully awkward cringe humor, The Narcissist Next Door is a rowdy good time! The hilarious cast of unlikeable characters - rounded out by the charming and oh so vicious titular Narcissist, played by Luca Malacrino - make for an hour of comedy worthy of a slot right next to Hello Ladies. Do yourselves a favor this Fringe season and go!"

"I loved this play. Fun, funny & fast-paced with super talented actors who are truly a great ensemble together. Stand-out is the actress who plays Kate, wish there was more of her in this in the second act -- and hope this play gets a bigger run somewhere else after Fringe! Highly-recommended!!"

"From the Hollywood hills to Mexico, this fast-paced comedy takes Sebastian, Kate and Robert on a wild ride with lots of drinks and some surprises. Sharply written by Ellen Buckley and smartly directed by Susan Dalian. A Fun Fringe jaunt. Try and keep up! Every minute brings something unexpected."

"The Narcissist Next Door covers much the same ground as Larry Shue’s The Nerd, where the house-guest from Hell wrecks havoc on a variety of characters at a dinner party. Here Tony, The Narcissist, (Luca Malacrino), proves to be a charlatan as well as a pain when he introduces his next-door neighbor, Sebastian (Michael Nardelli) and friend Kate (Kincaid Walker) to a New Age practice called “The Source.” When the practice work wonders in their lives, they welcome Tony into their midst, but as he takes more and more advantage of their trust, inviting himself on a trip to Mexico to “shoot” singing star Charo Veraga (Maggie Miguel), a result from “The Source,” they finally admit his toxicity. Only when he opens the way for a pair of Banditos (Robert and Bryce Harrow) to rob the group, do they finally plot to get rid of him with hilarious results.
Narcissist, Ellen Buckley’s first full-length play, is sprightly and increasingly funny, pointing the way to a future of churning out one crowd-pleaser after another. It has been given a well-developed production by its producers with director Susan Dallan."

"Actually, the Mexico chapter wasn’t necessary, the play was satisfying and evenly funny and enjoyable until then, and the length was just right, but because I liked the characters I enjoyed the final scene as well. "

"There are some sparkling lines and some enjoyable byplay, but the heart of Ms. Buckley’s comedy is the friendship of Kate and Sebastian, and this gets lost in the course of Tony’s manipulations. A half-hour of new age narcissism would have been more than enough for me."

"Ok. That was just a pure fun fun and way crazy fun time! I loved the anticipatory pace -the wonderfully eclectic and hilarious cast-and the story was so cleverly right on with the perfect narcissist that was so relatable to us humans! So well done!!"

"A charming funny light comedy about the struggle of nice people dealing with "that friend" who both ruins and improves their lives in equal measure. The production moves like the wind, with delightful performances from the entire cast, constant surprises, and endless energy.
If I had to give a negative about the show, it would be that the title character is far too enjoyable and bearable. Come on, this is America in 2019, the bar for painful narcissism has been set way too high now!!"

"This Show was absolutely hysterical!!! The entire cast were very talented and most certainly committed to their parts. I found the story and the characters to be very character driven and was very well directed! I would encourage anyone who is looking for a good laugh to check this show out, you WON'T be disappointed!"

"Loved the performance! Every minute of it. I feel like I know someone who reminds me of each character. Especially the Narcissist! We all know one out here in LA. Haha. It hit close to home and was a wonderful Sunday Funday for me and my fiance. Would love to see more."

"A lovely show with a charming cast and a ton of laughs. The play gets off to a brisk start when Kate, played by sensational Kincaid Walker, bursts into her best friend Sebastion's, played by a very adept Michael Nardelli. These two actors have awesome chemistry and trade clever quips at a pace Neil Simon would approve of. Soon we meet the play's narcissist namesake, Tony. Luca Malacrino gives a great performance in this role and carries most of the second act's problematic plot. This play was well directed by Susan Dalian and Ellen Buckley's script is funny, showing flashes of something bigger and better, perhaps with a deeper dive into the plot and action that unfolds late. I missed the relationship we invested in between Kate and Sebastion later in the show and the end is a bit of a head-scratcher, but overall, I really enjoyed this production! Bravo to all involved but special notice to the excellent performances!"

"This is a very funny play, smartly written and well directed, with really good actors—a great ensemble—who work wonderfully well together. I saw it on its last night, and the audience was hooked from the snappy, well delivered dialogue between Sebastian and Kate that opens the play to the phone call of Kate’s Mom and the play’s conclusion. Lots of well earned laughs from the audience! Hope this comedy finds longer life!"

"This play was SO funny! A wonderful ensemble cast. I especially loved the characters of Sebastian and Kate who had great chemistry as best friends. The actress who played Kate is absolutely adorable! A really talented comedienne! I hope to see her again in another production. A really fun evening!"

"Sharp, pithy and filled with delightfully awkward cringe humor, The Narcissist Next Door is a rowdy good time! The hilarious cast of unlikeable characters - rounded out by the charming and oh so vicious titular Narcissist, played by Luca Malacrino - make for an hour of comedy worthy of a slot right next to Hello Ladies. Do yourselves a favor this Fringe season and go!"

"I loved this play. Fun, funny & fast-paced with super talented actors who are truly a great ensemble together. Stand-out is the actress who plays Kate, wish there was more of her in this in the second act -- and hope this play gets a bigger run somewhere else after Fringe! Highly-recommended!!"

"From the Hollywood hills to Mexico, this fast-paced comedy takes Sebastian, Kate and Robert on a wild ride with lots of drinks and some surprises. Sharply written by Ellen Buckley and smartly directed by Susan Dalian. A Fun Fringe jaunt. Try and keep up! Every minute brings something unexpected."